East of West, Vol. 1-3

Story by…. Jonathan Hickman
Art by…. Nick Dragotta and Frank Martin

Brant says:

I don’t like the synopsis for this book’s volumes. They try to make pithy and light the weird and complicated work that Hickman is fully “on” in this book creating and pithy or simple or light is not where my mind goes. In the future of an alternate earth, one where an apocalyptic “word of god” has shaped the world and a constant reincarnation of the Four Horsemen sets up a cycle of demigod like actors, the various leaders of a re-imagined North American continent navigate the various religious, social, military and cultural conflicts that occur as various events unfold….as a Western?

Its a lot to take in. Joe and I are more on board than Toby but I think we do a good job of digging into these first three volumes. There is a lot to get into in the book and I doubt we put a light on all the dark corners this title has to offer. Take the time to read through this one a couple times if you can/if you enjoy it. I honestly think this is the kind of book we are lucky to get in a world where comics has broken out as a medium the way that it has. That said, its got a flavor that some may find offputting. Join us next time as we tackle Kill Six Billion Demons.

Our hosts for this episode are Brant Gillihan-Eddy, Joe Preti, and Tobiah Panshin.

Superman: American Alien

Hollywood screenwriter and Eisner Award nominee Max Landis (Chronicle, American Ultra, Adventures of Superman) joins forces with top comics artists including Jock, Francis Manapul and Jae Lee to bring you Superman: American Alien, a new epic that chronicles the life of Clark Kent and his development into the archetypal hero he will eventually become. But these are not the stories of the iconic “Superman” as you know him, but of the soft-spoken, charming, often-funny Kansas farm-boy behind the Man of Steel. With the tone of each issue ranging from heartwarming and simple, to frighteningly gritty and violent, to sexy, sun-kissed and funny, Superman: American Alien is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Our hosts for this episode are Brant Gillihan-Eddy, Joe Preti, Tobiah Panshin, Kirbotron2000, and Cade Reynolds. On our next episode we will be reading Rice Boy, a free to read webcomic which is also available as a eBook and print edition.

A special thank you to our Patreon sponsors for this month: Tony Queretaro, Chris Bianculli, Bryan May, Addison Appleby, and Kerfy Gonzo.